The State of Texas Capitol Complex Master Plan Phase 1 began on March 26, 2018 with a completion date in spring 2022. The development will impact downtown streets with utility expansions, new construction, and sidewalk enhancements in the City of Austin right-of-way this could affect an event route. Please visit https://www.tfc-ccp.org/ and sign-up for the Texas Facilities newsletter. Contact TransportationSpecialEvents@austintexas.gov for coordination assistance.

Getting Started

Also, please be sure to incorporate the Green Events Guidebook into your event planning. The City of Austin is committed to creating a more sustainable environment for visitors, planners, and residents. This guide has information about general requirements and green event principles, as well as checklists for different types of events. Whether small or large, festivals and street closures, parks and businesses, you’ll find a handy outline of the tasks and resources you’ll need to host a green event.

Hosting an Art Tour? City of Austin Ordinance No. 20110922-087 establishes the requirements for residential tours and garages sales, as well as clarifies requirements for art production on residential properties. Under this ordinance, art tour organizers must provide the dates of their tour, as well as the addresses of all participating residential properties to the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division. Find out more at the Art Tour Registration page.

Current Application Deadlines

Park Events - 6 to 12 months in advance

Street/City right of way closure including parking spaces, alleys and sidewalks - 180 Days

Please do not submit an application if the deadline has passed unless directed by someone in the ACE office. Submitting an ACE application doesn't guarantee a permit - during busy times deadlines may change or capacity may be reached.

Many types of permits are issued on a first come, first serve basis. Any event promoters or ancillary operators that do not meet public safety and permitting approvals are at risk of being cited, arrested and/or having their events terminated.

Site Plan Requirements

Detailed site plans are required for your application submission.

While site plans are not required to be professionally drawn, they must be:

legible

close to scale

provide sufficient detail to show use of the space and what your event will look like.

Minimum Requirements

Click here to view and download the list of minimum requirements that your site plan should meet.

Departments within the Austin Center for Events

To learn more about each of their fees and requirements, go to the Special Events page linked below:

Austin Fire Department

The Austin Fire Department provides fire watch and standby equipment. AFD reviews all special events, assessing the fire safety needs and dictates the occupancy load for all enclosed venues.

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) assists with large-scale event planning. PARD staff will provide an overview and understanding the City’s requirements of logistical and behind-the-scenes planning to help ensure your event is safe, high-quality, well-organized, and enjoyable for all of your guests.

The Austin Police Department special events team assists in the planning and execution of street closures, parades, political protests and VIP escorts. APD establishes crowd control measures at events and maintains law and order. The APD special events team closely monitors events with other ACE members.

The Austin Transportation Department special events team oversees the use of the streets, sidewalks and alleys for athletic and sporting events and creative events such as festivals and cultural arts. The department provides a case manager for each event to interact and coordinate between all parties involved.

Interested in Street Banners? The Austin Transportation Department can assist you with a banner installation that effectively meets your organization's communication needs. View the Street Banners program page for more information.

Austin-Travis County EMS

ATCEMS reviews all events that involve street closures within the City of Austin and ensures that the event is staffed with necessary resources for the potential medical needs of the attendees and participants of events. In Travis County, ATCEMS Special Events works with the various promoters and governmental agencies to make certain that events have sufficient medical support.

The City of Austin has worked for several years to reduce the numerous hazards and City Code violations associated with large gatherings and parties. As part of its continued efforts to protect the safety and quality of life of Austin residents, the City of Austin has formed a Public Assembly Code Enforcement (PACE) Team to focus on these issues.

Special event planning can require specific permits related to trash, food service within the City of Austin, building and structure inspections. and additional planning and permitting for events that are not under the control of the City of Austin.

The Right of Way Management Division provides traffic planning and coordination with the Austin Center or Events for all activities in the right of way in order to ensure public safety and mobility. The City's right of way is typically the street surface, sidewalks and grassy areas between pavement and property lines.